TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung on Monday opened a new international convention and exhibition center, marking a milestone for central Taiwan’s industrial development and trade ambitions.
According to the Taichung City Government, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) said the project fulfills a 20-year goal for local industries and reflects the city’s focus on economic growth. She said the center will support export-oriented sectors and help businesses reach international markets more efficiently.
Central Taiwan is home to key industries such as precision machinery, machine tools, bicycles, aerospace, semiconductors, and electric vehicles. Many of these companies rely on exports and previously had to travel abroad or to other cities to join major trade shows, increasing costs and limiting exposure, UDN reported.
The new center allows these industries to host exhibitions locally and bring global buyers directly to Taichung. Officials said this can shorten supply chains, improve business matching, and create more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Commercial Times reported that the facility includes exhibition halls and a conference center built to international standards. It can host more than 2,000 booths and accommodate over 10,000 visitors, with flexible meeting spaces for large conferences and events.
“Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center represents a new stage for Taiwan’s exhibition industry,” said James Huang, chair of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. He said it will help integrate supply chains, promote exports, and raise Taiwan’s profile as a hub for international trade events.
Industry representatives said the center fills a long-standing gap, as Taichung is a major manufacturing base but previously lacked a large international exhibition venue. They said the new facility supports the “front shop, back factory” model, where buyers can visit exhibitions and then tour nearby factories.
SETN reported that the center has already shown strong demand, attracting more than 400,000 visitors during trial operations and securing full bookings for 2026. Officials said it is expected to host dozens of exhibitions, major events, and hundreds of conferences each year, generating significant business value.
The city plans to expand the venue in a second phase to increase capacity and host even larger global events. Officials said the long-term goal is to position Taichung as a leading exhibition city in Asia and a key platform linking industry, trade, and innovation in Taiwan, per Yahoo News.
